ETIt is time for me to pick a rating. Concerning the ET rating is it a job where you learn a lot of technical skills about circuit design and get into electrical engineering or is it more "this is the equipment Coast Guard uses, here is how you replace the parts when they go bad"? Does it tend to be a regular schedule or all hours on demand or depends?

I have heard conflicting information.

CSAre you learning mother sauces and advanced baking or are you pretty much peeling potatoes and cooking mass amounts of beans and spaghetti - or something in between. Same question about hours - regular, all hours on demand, or depends.

HS, BM and MKSame question about hours -

Anyone want to give input on any of those ratings about the pros or cons please feel free to add information. It is VERY appreciated. I have heard rate makes fate so I want to make sure to go in as knowledgeable as I can. Additionally I want the opportunity to volunteer so if any of these rates are known no to get much opportunity please let me know.

CPORJMResserve Chief/Trusted MemberVeteran MemberPosts:1512

24 Aug 2018 01:40 PM

Are you going active duty or Reserve? That will determine what your work schedule is like.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."-Jonathan Swift

kungfumonk007New MemberPosts:39

24 Aug 2018 02:08 PM

I am enlisting reserve. So does that matter when I volunteer and go active? I understand the drills once a month andvthe 2 weeks a year.

kungfumonk007New MemberPosts:39

26 Aug 2018 06:45 AM

any input?

LjcalimanoBasic MemberPosts:197

27 Aug 2018 06:43 PM

I can explain a little bit of the BM rate. After boot camp you will attend BM A school if you choose that rate. During BM A school you will be in the same class with active duty folks. Both, reservist and active duty, learn the same job and that goes for what ever rate you choose. BM A school covers a lot of nautical class like chart work, navigation, knots, terminology, etc etc etc. The last month you will spend it underway learning everything related to being a crew member like line handling, more chart work, navigation rules, steering, towing, etc.

Drilling as a BM or any rate can be different from unit to unit. At the end of the day it is the needs of the unit that determines your schedule. Some units like to augment reservist and active duty personnel. Other units reserve drill with reservist. In regards to active duty time, as a BM you have choices and opportunities do come up. For example, the CG has a yearly program called Summer Stock. It starts memorial weekend and ends around labor day weekend. The program is designed to bring in reservist to areas where tourist rises due to the summer weather and you get to be doing patrols.

Disclaimer

This web site is a privately-owned and has not been underwritten or supported by the United States Coast Guard. The views and opinions posted by members do not reflect the views and opinions of the United States Coast Guard. This is an informational site. Welcome aboard!